Aquarium Essentials Overview (this time is for fresh water)

FILTER Your filter is your most important piece of aquarium equipment.Filters penguin BIO-Wheel Series are excellent filters that provide efficient biological filtration help maintain aquarium water quality by efficiently removing harmful materials from your aquarium. Without proper filtration, your aquarium will not be able to sustain life. Your filter should offer three-stage mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. For convenient filter selection, filters are rated for a particular aquarium size, based on a light-to-average fish load, and have a gallon-per-hour (gph) rating. The gph rating determines how many gallons of aquarium water pass through the filter per hour. In general, the filter should turn over the total water volume at least three to five times an hour. For example, a 20-gallon aquarium should be equipped with a filter rated at least 60-100 gph. HEATER Stable water temperature is necessary for the health of your aquarium system. Aquarium heater manufacturers include suggested aquarium size for each heater. But as a general rule, you will need a heater that provides approximately 3 to 5 watts for each aquarium gallon. Therefore, a 50-watt heater will suffice for aquariums between 10 to 15 gallons. The Jager Temperature Sensor Heater is a great choice for accurate and reliable performance. In addition to a heater, a thermometer such as the ATI Thermometer is necessary for monitoring water temperature. Better yet, consider the Coralife Digital Thermometer for convenient and easy-to-read daily monitoring of aquarium water temperature. LIGHTING Aquarium serves two fundamental purposes. It illuminates the aquarium for your aesthetic enjoyment of the inhabitants and decorations and provides functional light crucial for photosynthetic life in the aquarium. In general, a fish-only community aquarium requires 1 to 2 watts of lighting per gallon. For example, a 30-watt, fluorescent light fixture is appropriate for aquariums from 15-30 gallons. If you plan to have plants, you'll need to use a light fixture that provides 2 to 5 watts of lighting per gallon. CHLORINE REMOVER Most tap water is not suitable for aquarium use without the addition of aquarium. Tap water may contain chlorine, chloramine, or other chemicals harmful to aquarium fish. Before tap water is used for aquarium purposes, condition it with a chlorine or chloramine remover like Water Repair™ Series: Neutralize. TEST KITS Test Kits are essential for monitoring important aquarium water parameters such as pH, ammonia, and nitrite. Regular routine testing lets you know if the aquarium water is within an acceptable range for healthy aquarium inhabitants. Test strips like the Quick Dip Complete Water Quality Test Kit measure multiple water parameters to provide fast and convenient test results for the beginning hobbyist. SUBSTRATE AND DECORATIONS In addition to decorative benefits, aquarium substrate assists aquarium filtration by providing microorganisms and beneficial bacteria a place to colonize. Establish a 1-2 inch layer of substrate or gravel in the aquarium for best results. For a 1 inch bed, you will need roughly 1 lb of aquarium substrate per gallon or 2 lbs per gallon for a 2 inch bed. For freshwater community aquariums, consider decorative, non-buffering substrate made of non-reacting material to minimize pH fluctuation. Don't forget decorations such as driftwood, sunken ships, artificial coral, and more, to personalize and add the finishing touches to your aquarium. THE FRESHWATER COMMUNITY AQUARIUM AQUARIUM ESSENTIAL WHY YOU NEED IT WHAT IT DOES Filter For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles, breaks down toxic substances, and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums Heater To stabilize water temperature for the health of fish Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish Thermometer To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy "At a glance" temperature readings for convenient monitoring Lighting For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants Chlorine & Chloramine Removers To eliminate harmful chemicals from tap water Neutralizes chlorine and chloramine to make tap water safe for aquarium use Test Kits To monitor water quality Measures vital water parameters to help maintain ideal water quality Substrate For decorative purposes and to help supplement aquarium filtration Improves the look of your aquarium and provides habitat for beneficial microorganisms Decorations Optional, but improves appearance Gives your aquarium setup personality and enhances the aquarium experience